Teri Lea (Powell) Bucher passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on September 21, 2026, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Teri was born May 14, 1954, in Kansas City, MO, and grew up in Independence, MO, attending the Raytown District schools.
Her family’s life was radically changed when her father became medically disqualified from flying for TWA but subsequently came to understand his need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The family attended Blue Ridge Bible Church, where Teri first trusted Christ as her Savior and was very involved with her church youth group. Her faith was strengthened through Campus Crusade for Christ while she attended the University of Missouri, where she earned a BS in Education and later a master's degree in learning and reading disabilities.
Teri was athletic and loved outdoor activities, especially waterskiing. She participated in softball from elementary school into her young adult years. She enjoyed a challenge, as shown by volunteering to run the 440-yard hurdles on MU's inaugural ladies' Track and Field team.
Following college, she taught first and second grade for seven years at Robinson Elementary School in Raytown. During this time, she met and married her husband, Bill, on June 23, 1979, while he attended UMKC School of Dentistry. After graduation, they remained in Raytown for one year, then moved to Olathe, KS, in 1981, where Bill began his dental practice, and they raised their four children.
She began teaching again, this time homeschooling all four of her children all the way through high school. She served the developing homeschool community in many ways, most notably by administering annual standardized testing for 30-plus years.
Teri’s leadership was subtle, but evident. She led first by being Spirit-led, knowing she had nothing to offer apart from the Word of God implanted in her heart. She led by example, living out her faith through acts of love and sacrifice. She led by listening and asking the right questions, so listeners recognized God’s way as they talked through life's issues. She led by forming teams of ladies because she knew it sometimes takes a team to tackle ongoing needs. Her organizational skills led her to serve on many committees and boards, such as Southland Academy, KC Metro Academy, Midwest Parent Educators, and Countryside Ladies Ministry. She loved teaching 4- and 5-year-old Sunday School, where she recruited and mentored many a novice parent-teacher.
Teri’s heart was in the home where she lovingly cared for and served her family and others. She made her home an oasis for her children, a place where their friends would gather. Hospitality was extended for family gatherings, small group Bible studies, and church youth events. The highlight of the summer for her and the grandkids was hosting Grandmother Camp, where encouragement, character, food, and fun abounded. She delighted in being a grandmother and prayed extensively for each of her grandchildren.
Prayer became central to her everyday life. So many conversations she had with others ended with “How can I pray for you?” And she did pray, as attested by reminder lists in her Bible, calendar, journals, and by the fact that she followed up, asking how things were going. Her dying wish was a fervent plea and prayer that all her children and grandchildren would believe in and walk faithfully with Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Knowing her heart, we know that she desired this for all extended family and friends.
Teri’s legacy is summed up in her life verse, “In the same way let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Teri was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Betty Powell, and her brother-in-law, Dallas Cornelius.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Bill Bucher; her children, Ryan (Aubrey) Bucher, Jared (Alexis) Bucher, Caleb (Amanda) Bucher, and Anna (Henry) Stratton. Her eleven cherished grandchildren also survive her: Mira, Gideon, Ada, and Eliza Bucher; Lawrence and Collette Bucher; Clara, Graham, and Jane Bucher; and Judah and Teddy Stratton, as well as a new foster baby. Teri leaves behind her brother, Randy (Darlene) Powell, her sisters, Debby Cornelius and Lisa (Mike) Allen, as well as a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and close friends.
Teri will be greatly missed, but those in Christ eagerly await a promised great reunion yet to come. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
